Service provider selection in a wireless network

ABSTRACT

According to one configuration, a shared wireless access node supports wireless access for multiple wireless network service providers. A mobile communication device receives notification of multiple wireless network service providers, each of which provides access to a remote network through the shared wireless access node. The notification includes connection information such as priority information assigned to the wireless network service providers. The priority information indicates an order in which to select amongst the multiple available wireless network service providers to access the remote network. Based at least in part on the priority information, the mobile communication device selects a wireless network service provider amongst the multiple wireless network service providers. The mobile communication device communicates with the wireless access node to establish a wireless communication link to access the remote network through the corresponding wireless access node using wireless services provided by the selected service provider.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional application of earlier filed U.S.patent application Ser. No. 15/808,133 entitled “ SERVICE PROVIDERSELECTION IN A WIRELESS NETWORK,” (Attorney Docket No. CHTR-2017-47,filed on Nov. 9, 2017, the entire teachings of which are incorporatedherein by this reference.

BACKGROUND

Conventional LTE (Long Term Evolution) cellular networks typicallyinclude a core network, a RAN (Radio Access Network), and one or moremobile communication devices (so-called UE or User Equipment).

The Radio Access Network (RAN) resides between user equipment (UE) suchas a mobile phone, a computer, or any remotely controlled machine andprovides connection with its core network (CN). As its name suggests,the radio access network provides respective user equipment access (suchas Internet access) via the core network.

In certain instances, conventional LTE networks offer both voice anddata services to user equipment via a single subscription such as asingle SIM (Subscriber Identity Module). As well known, a SubscriberIdentity Module (SIM) is an integrated circuit that securely storesinformation such as the International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI)number and its related key. This information is used to identify andauthenticate subscribers on mobile telephony devices (such as mobilephones and computers). It is also possible to store contact informationon many SIM cards.

A new-shared spectrum scheme is being introduced in the United States at3.5 GHz called CBRS (Citizens Broadband Radio Service). This new bandcan be used to provide LTE communications to mobile communicationdevices in a wireless network.

It has been proposed via CBRS working group that a wireless access node(such as a so-called neutral host network) can be configured toimplement use of LTE services over CBRS for multiple different serviceproviders.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The conventional assumption is that UE is only associated with onecredential. The use-case with a single UE containing multiplecredentials to access a shared wireless access node (a.k.a., neutralhost network or NHN) is not addressed by conventional techniques. Forexample, a UE can have two credentials, one from MNO (Mobile NetworkOperator) SIM and with another one from a private network withcertificate/user=passed based credential.

This disclosure includes the observation that it would be useful tospecify a way for the network to control (or influence) how UE (UserEquipment) should select which participating service provider (i.e., andwhich credential) to use when accessing the shared wireless access nodein the event that the UE has multiple available credentials to usedifferent wireless network service providers. One possible use of thissolution is to allow the shared wireless access node to offer differentbusiness arrangement with service provider by allowing different trafficdistribution ratio among service providers at the shared wireless accessnode.

Embodiments herein provide novel ways of providing expanded use ofwireless network services to mobile communication devices (userequipment) in a wireless network environment.

More specifically, according to first embodiments, multiple wirelessnetwork service providers share use of a single wireless access node(a.k.a. a neutral host network or shared host resource) to providedifferent wireless services to corresponding one or more communicationdevices in a wireless network.

During operation, in these first embodiments, a mobile communicationdevice in the wireless network receives notification (such as via awireless communication received from the shared wireless access node) ofmultiple wireless network service providers that provide access to aremote network (such as the Internet) through the shared wireless accessnode (host). In one embodiment, the notification includes connectioninformation such as priority information assigned to the multiplewireless network service providers. The priority information (connectioninformation) influences or indicates which service provider andcorresponding wireless network services are to be used by the mobilecommunication device to use the wireless network. More specifically, thepriority information can be configured to indicate a respective rankingassociated with the multiple available wireless network serviceproviders providing wireless services from the shared wireless accessnode. The mobile communication device uses the received rankinginformation (connection information) to select a service provider inwhich to access the remote network.

Based at least in part on the priority information, the mobilecommunication device selects a wireless network service provider. Themobile communication device uses the selected wireless network serviceprovider (such as a first wireless network service provider) amongst themultiple wireless network service providers to access the remotenetwork. In accordance with one embodiment, subsequent to selecting thefirst wireless network service provider such as based on the receivedpriority information, the communication device communicates with theshared wireless access node to establish a wireless communication linkto access the remote network through the shared wireless access nodeusing wireless services provided by the selected (first) wirelessnetwork service provider.

These first embodiments are useful over conventional techniques. Forexample, providing connection information (such as priority informationor the like) to the mobile communication device enables the sharedwireless access node to influence or indicate which wireless service ofa corresponding service provider is to be used (or are preferably used)to provide the mobile communication device access through the sharedwireless access node to the remote network. These and more specificembodiments are further discussed below.

In accordance with second embodiments as discussed herein, a mobilecommunication device transmits a first wireless communication includinga first request to establish a wireless communication link with a sharedwireless access node through which each of multiple wireless networkservice providers provide access to a remote network. The first requestindicates a first wireless network service provider of the multiplewireless network service providers. In response to transmitting thefirst request to establish the wireless connection with the wirelessaccess node, the mobile communication device receives a command in awireless response such as a wireless communication from the sharedwireless access node. The wireless response from the shared wirelessaccess node notifies the first mobile communication device to use aservice provider other than the originally requested first wirelessnetwork service provider to access the remote network.

In accordance with the command (notification from the wireless accessnode), the mobile communication device then transmits a second wirelesscommunication including a second request (such as to the shared wirelessaccess node) to establish the wireless communication link with theshared wireless access node. The second request indicates a secondwireless network service provider of the multiple wireless networkservice providers.

In addition to sending the second request, the mobile communicationdevice forwards appropriate credentials for the second wireless networkservice provider to the wireless access node to establish the wirelesscommunication link.

Accordingly, a respective communication device may request use of afirst service provider and corresponding services to establish awireless communication link. Via a communication from the sharedwireless access node, the respective communication device is notified touse a different wireless network service provider than the originallyrequested service provider.

These second embodiments are useful over conventional techniques. Forexample, the notification from the shared wireless access node to themobile communication device enables the shared wireless access node tocontrol or influence which of the multiple service providers andcorresponding service is to be used to provide the mobile communicationdevice access through the shared wireless access node to the remotenetwork.

In accordance with third embodiments as discussed herein, a mobilecommunication device detects identities of multiple wireless networkservice providers, each of which provides access to a remote networkthrough a shared wireless access node. The mobile communication devicecan detect the identities in any suitable manner. For example, in oneembodiment, the mobile communication device receives a notification ofthe identities in a wireless communication from the shared wirelessaccess node. Additionally or alternatively, the mobile communicationdevice can be configured to locally store the identities of the serviceproviders associated with the shared wireless access node.

To use wireless network services provided by the shared wireless accessnode, assume that the mobile communication device selects a firstwireless network service provider amongst the multiple wireless networkservice providers. In one embodiment, the mobile communication device(user equipment) can be configured to access a policy provided by a userof the mobile communication device. The policy can be configured toindicate a priority ranking of different service providers to which theuser subscribes. The ranking information indicates which of the serviceproviders to use when establish g a wireless communication link with ashared wireless access node.

In this example embodiment, assume that the user selects a firstwireless network service provider in the priority ranking because itranks highest in the policy and is supported by a respective availablewireless access node.

In furtherance of using the wireless network services of the selectedfirst wireless network service provider, the mobile communication deviceobtains credentials allocated to use wireless network services providedby the first wireless network service provider. These credentials can bestored in any suitable location such as in the mobile communicationdevice. The mobile communication device then transmits the obtainedcredentials associated with the selected first wireless service providerto the shared wireless access node to establish a wireless communicationlink with the wireless access node to access the remote network.

These third embodiments are useful over conventional techniques. Forexample, the mobile communication device and corresponding user can beconfigured to select which of the multiple service providers andcorresponding service is to be used to provide the mobile communicationdevice access through the shared wireless access node to the remotenetwork.

These and other more specific embodiments are disclosed in more detailbelow.

Any of the resources as discussed herein can include one or morecomputerized devices, mobile communication devices, servers, basestations, wireless communication equipment, communication managementsystems, workstations, handheld or laptop computers, or the like tocarry out and/or support any or all of the method operations disclosedherein. In other words, one or more computerized devices or processorscan be programmed and/or configured to operate as explained herein tocarry out the different embodiments as described herein.

Yet other embodiments herein include software programs to perform thesteps and operations summarized above and disclosed in detail below. Onesuch embodiment comprises a computer program product including anon-transitory computer-readable storage medium (such as a computerreadable hardware storage medium) on which software instructions areencoded for subsequent execution. The instructions, when executed in acomputerized device (hardware) having a processor, program and/or causethe processor (hardware) to perform the operations disclosed herein.Such arrangements are typically provided as software, code,instructions, and/or other data (e.g., data structures) arranged orencoded on a non-transitory computer readable storage medium such as anoptical medium (e.g., CD-ROM), floppy disk, hard disk, memory stick,memory device, etc., or other a medium such as firmware in one or moreROM, RAM, PROM, etc., or as an Application Specific Integrated Circuit(ASIC), etc. The software or firmware or other such configurations canbe installed onto a computerized device to cause the computerized deviceto perform the techniques explained herein.

Accordingly, embodiments herein are directed to a method, system,computer program product, etc., that supports operations as discussedherein.

One embodiment includes a computer readable storage medium and/or systemhaving instructions stored thereon to facilitate use of a wirelessaccess node to access a remote network such as the Internet. Theinstructions, when executed by computer processor hardware, cause thecomputer processor hardware (such as one or more processor devices) to:receive notification of multiple wireless network service providers,each of which provide access to a remote network through a correspondingshared wireless access node, the notification including priorityinformation assigned to the multiple wireless network service providers;select a first wireless network service provider amongst the multiplewireless network service providers; and communicate with the wirelessaccess node to establish a wireless communication link to access theremote network through the corresponding shared wireless access nodeusing wireless services provided by the first wireless network serviceprovider.

Another embodiment herein includes a computer readable storage mediumand/or system having instructions stored thereon to facilitate use of awireless access node to access a remote network such as the Internet.The instructions, when executed by computer processor hardware, causethe computer processor hardware (such as one or more processor devices)to: transmit a first wireless communication including a first request toestablish a wireless communication link with a shared wireless accessnode through which each of multiple wireless network service providersprovide access to a remote network, the first request indicating a firstwireless network service provider of the multiple wireless networkservice providers; receive a command in a wireless response to the firstwireless communication, the wireless response notifying the mobilecommunication device to use a service provider other than the firstwireless network service provider to access the remote network; andtransmit a second wireless communication including a second request toestablish the wireless communication link with the shared wirelessaccess node, the second request indicating a second wireless networkservice provider of the multiple wireless network service providers.

Yet another embodiment includes a computer readable storage mediumand/or system having instructions stored thereon to facilitate use of awireless access node to access a remote network such as the Internet.The instructions, when executed by computer processor hardware, causethe computer processor hardware (such as one or more processor devices)to: detect identities of multiple wireless network service providers,each of which provides access to a remote network through a sharedwireless access node; select a first wireless network service provideramongst the multiple wireless network service providers; obtaincredentials allocated to use wireless network services provided by thefirst wireless network service provider; and transmit credentialsassociated with the first wireless service provider to establish awireless communication link with the wireless access node to access theremote network.

The ordering of the steps above has been added for clarity sake. Notethat any of the processing steps as discussed herein can be performed inany suitable order.

Other embodiments of the present disclosure include software programsand/or respective hardware to perform any of the method embodiment stepsand operations summarized above and disclosed in detail below.

It is to be understood that the system, method, apparatus, instructionson computer readable storage media, etc., as discussed herein also canbe embodied strictly as a software program, firmware, as a hybrid ofsoftware, hardware and/or firmware, or as hardware alone such as withina processor (hardware or software), or within an operating system or awithin a software application.

As discussed herein, techniques herein are well suited for use in thefield of controlling a remote media system. However, it should be notedthat embodiments herein are not limited to use in such applications andthat the techniques discussed herein are well suited for otherapplications as well.

Additionally, note that although each of the different features,techniques, configurations, etc., herein may be discussed in differentplaces of this disclosure, it is intended, where suitable, that each ofthe concepts can optionally be executed independently of each other orin combination with each other. Accordingly, the one or more presentinventions as described herein can be embodied and viewed in manydifferent ways.

Also, note that this preliminary discussion of embodiments herein (BRIEFDESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS) purposefully does not specify everyembodiment and/or incrementally novel aspect of the present disclosureor claimed invention(s). Instead, this brief description only presentsgeneral embodiments and corresponding points of novelty overconventional techniques. For additional details and/or possibleperspectives (permutations) of the invention(s), the reader is directedto the Detailed Description section (which is a summary of embodiments)and corresponding figures of the present disclosure as further discussedbelow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an example block diagram of hardware/software resources toprovide wireless network services at a wireless access node frommultiple different service providers according to embodiments herein.

FIG. 2 is an example diagram illustrating distribution of connectioninformation from a shared wireless access node to a respective one ormore mobile communication devices in a network environment according toembodiments herein.

FIG. 3 is an example diagram illustrating dynamically updatingconnection information associated with multiple service providerssharing a wireless access node according to embodiments herein.

FIG. 4 is an example diagram illustrating redirection of a mobilecommunication device to use a different service provider at a sharedwireless access node according to embodiments herein.

FIG. 5 is an example diagram illustrating redirection of a mobilecommunication device to use a different service provider at a sharedwireless access node according to embodiments herein.

FIG. 6 is an example diagram illustrating selection of a wirelessnetwork service provider based on a user-generated policy according toembodiments herein.

FIG. 7 is an example diagram illustrating computer architecture in whichto execute any of the disclosed operations according to embodimentsherein.

FIG. 8 is an example diagram illustrating a method according toembodiments herein.

FIG. 9 is an example diagram illustrating a method according toembodiments herein.

FIG. 10 is an example diagram illustrating a method according toembodiments herein.

The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of theinvention will be apparent from the following more particulardescription of preferred embodiments herein, as illustrated in theaccompanying drawings in which like reference characters refer to thesame parts throughout the different views. The drawings are notnecessarily to scale, with emphasis instead being placed uponillustrating the embodiments, principles, concepts, etc.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Now, more specifically, FIG. 1 is an example block diagram ofhardware/software resources to provide wireless network services at awireless access node shared by multiple different service providersaccording to embodiments herein.

As shown, the network environment 100 includes shared wireless accessnode 120, remote network 190, and multiple communication devices 131,132, etc.

Shared wireless access node 120 (such as hardware and/or software)supports wireless network 191 and corresponding services for each ofmultiple service providers such as service provider #1 (SP1), serviceprovider #2 (SP2), service provider #3 (SP3), service provider #4 (SP4),etc.

In one embodiment, the shared wireless access node 120 and the mobilecommunication devices communicate with each other based oncommunications over bandwidth or wireless frequency spectrum allocatedfrom the CBRS (Citizen Band Radio Service) band.

By further way of non-limiting example, the shared wireless access node120 (neutral host network) and the communication devices 131, 132, etc.,wirelessly communicate with each other in accordance with any suitableprotocol such as the LTE (Long Term Evolution) communication protocol.

Each of the communication devices may have (SIM-based and/or nonSIM-based) access to wireless services provided by multiple differentservice providers. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, user 108-1 operatingcommunication device 131 subscribes to use of wireless services providedby service provider #1, service provider #2, service provider #5, etc.

Communication device 131 (such as hardware and/or software) isprogrammed with appropriate (SIM-based or non-SIM based) credentials touse the wireless services provided by the different service providers.For example, communication device 131 is programmed with allocatedcredentials 111-1 to use wireless services provided by service provider#1; communication device 131 is programmed with allocated credentials111-2 to use wireless services provided by service provider #2;communication device 131 is programmed with allocated credentials 111-5to use wireless services provided by service provider #5; etc.

As further shown, user 108-2 operating communication device 132subscribes to use of wireless services provided by service provider #1,service provider #4, service provider #6, etc. Communication device 132is also programmed with credentials to use the wireless servicesprovided by the different service providers.

For example, communication device 132 is programmed with allocatedcredentials 112-1 to use wireless services provided by service provider#1; communication device 132 is programmed with allocated credentials112-4 to use wireless services provided by service provider #4;communication device 132 is programmed with allocated credentials 111-6to use wireless services provided by service provider 6; etc.

Note that the credentials can vary depending on the embodiment. Forexample, as previously discussed, connection credentials 111, 112, etc.,can include one or more SIM-based credentials to use wireless servicesof a respective wireless service provider; connection credentials 111,112, etc., can include one or more non-SIM based credentials to usewireless services of a respective wireless service provider.

As further discussed below, the communication devices 131 and 132 usethe credentials 111 and 112 to establish respective wirelesscommunication links 127 and 128 with shared wireless access node 120.Via communications over a wireless through the shared wireless accessnode 120, the users 108 have access to server resources in remotenetwork 190.

FIG. 2 is an example diagram illustrating distribution of connectioninformation from a shared wireless access node to a respective one ormore mobile communication devices in a network environment according toembodiments herein.

As previously discussed, multiple wireless network service providers(service provider #1, service provider #2, service provider #3, serviceprovider #4, etc.) share use of a single wireless access node 120(a.k.a., a neutral host network or shared host resource) to providedifferent wireless services to corresponding one or more communicationdevices in network environment 100. As previously discussed, themultiple wireless network service providers provide wireless access overwireless network to a remote network 190 (such as the Internet) throughthe shared wireless access node 120 (host).

In this example embodiment, mobile communication device 131 in thewireless network environment 100 receives notification 210 (such as viaa wireless communication) transmitted from the shared wireless accessnode 120. The notification 210 includes connection information 150-1generated by the manager resource 260.

In general, the connection information 150-1 includes one or more databits associated with each service provider identity. Such data bitsindicate a preferred priority using different service provider'sservices.

For example, in one embodiment, the management resource 260 produces theconnection information 150-1 to indicate that the service provider #3 isassigned the highest priority; service provider #2 is assigned thesecond highest priority; the service provider #5 is assigned the thirdhighest priority; so on.

In this example embodiment, the connection information 150-1 indicatesthat it is preferred that a respective new user use wireless servicesprovided by the service provider #3; if the new user does not subscribeto service provider #3, the connection information 150-1 indicates thatit is preferred that a respective new user use wireless servicesprovided by the service provider #2; if the new user does not subscribeto service provider #2, the connection information 150-1 indicates thatit is preferred that a respective new user use wireless servicesprovided by the service provider #5; and so on.

Accordingly, the connection information 150-1 notifies the communicationdevice 131 of a preferred priority of which wireless services to usewhen establishing a new wireless communication link. In other words, theconnection information 150-1 in notification 210 is priority informationindicating an ordered preference in which to select amongst the multipleavailable wireless network service providers to access the remotenetwork 190 through the wireless access node 120 shared by the multipleavailable wireless network service providers.

Note that the notification 210 can be transmitted by the shared wirelessaccess node 120 in response to receiving a query from the communicationdevice 131. The query can be a request to establish a wirelesscommunication link, a request to learn of different service providerssupported by the shared wireless access node 120, etc.

Alternatively, the shared wireless access node 120 can be configured tooccasionally, periodically, etc., transmit wireless beacon information(notification 210) including the connection information 150-1 to notifyany communication devices within wireless range of the shared wirelessaccess node 120 of its presence as well as available service providers.

In accordance with further embodiments, the mobile communication devicesreceiving notification 210 use the ranking information as indicated bythe connection information 150-1 to select a service provider in whichto access the remote network 190 via wireless communications overcommunication link 127. For example, based at least in part on theconnection information 150-1, the mobile communication device 131selects a service provider amongst the multiple wireless network serviceproviders to access the remote network 190.

To select a service provider, the mobile communication device comparesits list of service providers (such as service provider #1, serviceprovider #2, service provider #5 etc., to which the user 108-1subscribes) to the connection information 150-1. The communicationdevice 131 identifies a subset of the service providers in theconnection information 150-1 to which the user 108-1 subscribes and thenselects, from the identified subset, a highest ranking service providerin the list.

Assume that the communication device 131 detects that the user 108-1only subscribes to service provider #2 and service provider #5 presentin the connection information 150-1. The identified subset is thenservice provider #2 and service provider #5. In such an instance, thecommunication device 131 selects to use wireless services provided byservice provider #2 because it is the highest priority in the subset asindicated by the connection information 150-1.

Subsequent to selecting the wireless network service provider #2 such asbased on the received connection information 150-1, the communicationdevice 131 communicates with the shared wireless access node 120 viacommunications 211 to establish a wireless communication link 127 toaccess the remote network 190 through the shared wireless access node120 using wireless services provided by the selected wireless networkservice provider #2.

In one embodiment, to establish the wireless communication link 127 toaccess the remote network 190 through the shared wireless access node120, the communication device 131 retrieves credentials 111-2 amongstmultiple sets of credentials 111 (allocated by service provider #2) andcommunicates the credentials 111-2 to the wireless access node 120 touse the wireless network services provided by the wireless networkservice provider #2.

Note that these first embodiments are useful over conventionaltechniques. For example, providing connection information 150-1 to themobile communication device 131 enables the shared wireless access node120 to influence or indicate which wireless service of a correspondingservice provider is to be used (or are preferably used) to provide themobile communication devices access through the shared wireless accessnode 120 to the remote network 190.

For sake of further illustration, assume that the communication device131 is denied use of wireless services provided by the service provider#2 in the above example. In such an instance, in response to detectingan inability to authenticate the mobile communication device 131 usingcredentials 111-2, the communication device 131 selects a next availableservice provider in the subset (such as service provider #5) asdiscussed above. To establish the wireless communication link 127, thecommunication device 131 retrieves credentials 111-5 from the connectioncredentials 111 (which is allocated to use wireless network servicesprovided by the service provider #5) and communicates the credentials111-5 to the wireless access node 120 to authenticate the mobilecommunication device to use the wireless network services provided bythe wireless network service provider #5.

Further Example Embodiments

Assume that PSP-ID is an identity of a participating service providerthat provides services via the shared wireless access node 120. ThePSP-IDs of a shared wireless access node 120 (neutral host network) arebroadcasted in a message such via SIB17 by re-using thewlan-OffloadInfoPerPLMN-List-r12 for the CBRS-I PLMN value. The PSP-ID(such as in connection information 150-1) can be configured to includepriority indication for PSP selection if more than one PSP can beselected by the UE.

Shared wireless access node 120 is provisioned with information aboutwhether a given eNB should operate as an neutral host network RAN andshall be provisioned with list of PSP-identities to be sent to the eNB.NOTE: An NH-MME is aware of CBRS-I and CSG/CBRS-NID associated with eachconnected eNB based on information included by the eNB in the S1 SetupRequest. A PSP may support S2a. A UE can determine whether a PSPsupports S2a or not based on information broadcast in SIB17.

SIB type 17 can be used for announcing PSP identities (PSP-IDs) andsupport WLAN offloading at the same time for the neutral host network.SIB type 17 is specified in 3GPP TS 36.331. The PSP-IDs are announcedusing the WLAN-Id-List-r12 corresponding to CBRS-I. If WLAN offloadingis announced as well, the WLAN-Identifiers will be placed in thebeginning of the WLAN-Id-List-r12.

First entry of the WLAN-Id-List-r12 that is used to carryPSP-information, is marked with a special bssid-r12 value,03:ff:ff:ff:ff:ff, which is a multicast and locally administered MACaddress and thus will not be considered to be a valid Wi-Fi BSSID. Thessid-r12 field of that entry and subsequent entries in WLAN-Id-List-r12are interpreted as PSP-information lists.

Information list: the ssid-r12 (of length 32×8=256 bits) is to beinterpreted as a sequence of entries, each entry is 25 bits composed ofa 24 bit PSP-ID followed by a bit that indicates whether the PSPsupports S2a. Within the 24 bits, the 2 (most significant bits) is usedto denote the priority of this PSP (this gives a value from zero to 3and allow up to 4 group of PSP for selection differentiation). The userequipment, which can select from more than one participating serviceprovider, uses this value to determine which PSP's credential to tryfirst.

The wlan-OffloadConfigCommon-r12 does not apply for theWLAN-Identifiers-r12 entries carrying PSP-information list.

The priority indication in connection information 150 can be updatedperiodically via management resource 260 (i.e., to allow differenttraffic distribution to different PSP). This can be done based on O&Minput of new signaling indication from MME over a respective S1interface.

FIG. 3 is an example diagram illustrating dynamically updatingconnection information associated with multiple service providerssharing a wireless access node according to embodiments herein.

As shown, management resource 260 (such as hardware and/or software)dynamically produces connection information 150.

In one embodiment, the management resource 260 produces connectioninformation 150 based on current operating conditions. For example, eachservice provider can be assigned use of a portion of wireless bandwidthto provide wireless services to its subscribers. The assigned portionscan change over time.

If the wireless services provided by a given service provider reaches anassigned limit, the management resource 260 can be configured to changea priority of the service providers to encourage new users to use adifferent service provider having available bandwidth for use by the newwireless user.

In this example embodiment, at time T1, the management resource 260generates connection information 150-1 indicating that service provider#3 is currently assigned highest priority; service provider #2 isassigned second highest priority; service provider #5 is assigned thirdhighest priority; and so on. As previously discussed, the ranking of theservice providers encourages or causes the different users to usewireless services provided by the service providers that are higherranked in the list between time T1 and time T2.

In this example embodiment, assume that the service provider #3 becomessaturated with providing wireless services to too many communicationdevices or uses too much of the available bandwidth associated withshared wireless access node 120. In such an instance, at time T2, themanagement resource 260 generates connection information 150-2indicating that service provider #2 is currently assigned highestpriority; service provider #3 is assigned second highest priority;service provider #5 is assigned third highest priority; and so on. In asimilar manner as previously discussed, the ranking of the serviceproviders encourages or causes the different users to use wirelessservices provided by the service providers that are higher ranked in thelist between time T2 and time T3.

In this example embodiment, assume that the service provider #2 becomessaturated with providing wireless services to too many communicationdevices or uses too much of the available bandwidth associated withshared wireless access node 120. In such an instance, at time T3, themanagement resource 260 generates connection information 150-3indicating that service provider #5 is currently assigned highestpriority; service provider #3 is assigned second highest priority;service provider #2 is assigned third highest priority; and so on. Aspreviously discussed, the ranking of the service providers encourages orcauses the new users to use wireless services provided by the serviceproviders that are higher ranked in the list between time T3 and timeT4.

Accordingly, the connection information 150 dynamically changes toaccommodate different network conditions.

FIG. 4 is an example diagram illustrating redirection of a mobilecommunication device to use a different service provider at a sharedwireless access node according to embodiments herein.

In general, embodiments herein include communicating from a sharedwireless access node (neutral host network) to user equipment tore-negotiate use of a different PSP and corresponding credentials by auser. In this solution, the shared wireless access node sends a newmessage to UE to notify the user equipment to re-authenticate using adifferent credential (different service provider).

In this example embodiment, the user 108-1 provides input to the mobilecommunication device 131 to establish a wireless communication link 127with the shared wireless access node 120. In one embodiment, the sharedwireless access node 120 and the mobile communication device 131communicate with each other based on communications over bandwidthallocated from the CBRS (Citizen Band Radio Service) band.

By way of non-limiting example, the wireless access node 120 and thecommunication device 131 wirelessly communicate with each other inaccordance with the LTE (Long Term Evolution) communication protocol.

In response to receiving input (such as from user 108-1 or other entity)to establish wireless communication link 127, the mobile communicationdevice 131 transmits wireless communications 410, which includes a firstrequest to establish a wireless communication link 127 with a sharedwireless access node 120. The shared wireless access node 120 supportsservices from each of multiple wireless network service providers (suchas service provider #1, service provider #2, service provider #5, etc.)provide access to a remote network 190.

The request in wireless communication 410 indicates to use serviceprovider #1 associated with the shared wireless access node 120 toestablish wireless communication link 127.

In addition to transmitting wireless communications 410 to sharedwireless access node 120, note that the communication device 131 can beconfigured to further transmit wireless communications 420 to the sharedwireless access node 120. Since the communication device 131 selectedthe service provider #1 to establish the wireless communication link127, the communication device 131 transmits the corresponding accesscredentials 111-1 in the wireless communications 420 to the sharedwireless access node 120. The authentication credentials 111-1 areallocated to the user 108-1 of the mobile communication device 131 touse wireless network services provided by the wireless network serviceprovider #1.

In one embodiment, prior to receiving wireless communications 430, viawireless communications 410 and/or 420, the mobile communication device131 notifies the shared wireless access node 120 of the differentservice providers to which the user 108-1 subscribes. For example, inthis example, the communication device 131 can be configured to notifythe shared wireless access node 120 that the user 108-1 subscribes toservice provider #1, service provider #2, service provider #5, etc., asindicated by connection credentials 111.

As further discussed below, in one embodiment, in response to receivingthe wireless communications 410 and/or wireless communications 420, theshared wireless access node 120 transmits wireless communications 430 tothe communication device 131. The wireless communications 430redirecting the communication device 131 to establish the wirelesscommunication link 127 with a different service provider than asreceived in wireless communications 410. This can occur due to anyreason. For example, the shared wireless access node 120 may not providesupport for service provider #1, services associated with the serviceprovider #1 may be temporarily unavailable from the shared wirelessaccess node 120, etc.

The wireless communications 430 (wireless response) notifies the mobilecommunication device 131 to use a service provider other than theoriginally requested wireless network service provider #1 to access theremote network 190 through the shared wireless access node 120. Thewireless communications 430 can indicate the different wireless networkservice providers that are supported by the shared wireless access node120.

Further in this example embodiment, the mobile communication device 131selects wireless network service provider #2 to access the remotenetwork 190 through the wireless access node 120 in response toreceiving the command (in wireless communications 430) indicating to usea different service provider (i.e., a service provider other thanwireless network service provider #1).

In one embodiment, the mobile communication device 131 selects theservice provider #2 based on a command (such as wireless communications430) from the shared wireless access node 120 indicating to use theservice provider #2. Alternatively, the mobile communication device 131can be configured to select the service provider #2 independently of anyinput received from the shared wireless access node 120 as an attempt toestablish the wireless communication link 127.

In accordance with the redirect command (such as in wirelesscommunications 430), the mobile communication device 131 transmitswireless communications 440 including a second request to the sharedwireless access node 120. The second request in the wirelesscommunications 440 indicates that the mobile communication device 131would like to establish wireless communication link 127 using wirelessservices provided by the service provider #2. Via wirelesscommunications 450, the mobile communication device forwards appropriatecredentials 111-2 to use services provided by the second serviceprovider #2 to the wireless access node 120 to establish the wirelesscommunication link 127.

Accordingly, a respective communication device may request use of afirst service provider and corresponding services to establish awireless communication link. The respective communication device isnotified, via the neutral host network, to use a different wirelessnetwork service provider than the originally requested service provider.

Note that in accordance with further embodiments, the first request inwireless communications 410 can initiate a SIM (Subscriber InformationModule) based authentication of the mobile communication device 131 touse wireless network services provided by the wireless network serviceprovider #1; the second request in wireless communications 440 caninitiate a non-SIM based authentication of the mobile communicationdevice 131 to use wireless network services provided by the wirelessnetwork service provider #2.

Alternatively, the first request in wireless communications 410 caninitiate a non-SIM (Subscriber Information Module) based authenticationof the mobile communication device 131 to use wireless network servicesprovided by a first wireless network service provider; the secondrequest in wireless communications 440 can initiate a SIM basedauthentication of the mobile communication device 131 to use wirelessnetwork services provided by a second wireless network service provider.

Subsequent to completing authentication, via wireless communications460, the communication device 131 is able to access remote network 190.

FIG. 5 is an example diagram illustrating redirection of a mobilecommunication device to use a different service provider at a sharedwireless access node according to embodiments herein.

In this example embodiment, assume that the user 108-1 provides input tothe mobile communication device 131 to establish a wirelesscommunication link 127 with the shared wireless access node 120.

As previously discussed, the shared wireless access node 120 and themobile communication device 131 can be configured to communicate witheach other based on communications over bandwidth allocated from theCBRS (Citizen Band Radio Service) band. By further way of non-limitingexample, the wireless access node 120 and the communication device 131wirelessly communicate with each other in accordance with the LTE (LongTerm Evolution) communication protocol.

In response to receiving input (such as from user 108-1) to establishwireless communication link 127, the mobile communication device 131transmits wireless communications 410 to the shared wireless access node120. The wireless communications 410 can include a first request toestablish a wireless communication link 127 with a shared wirelessaccess node 120 through which each of multiple wireless network serviceproviders provide access to a remote network 190.

In this example, the request in wireless communications 410 can indicateto use service provider #1 associated with the shared wireless accessnode 120. Based on information in the received wireless communications410, the shared wireless access node 120 is able to identify an identityof the communication device 131 and/or user 108-1. Alternatively, thewireless communications does not specify service provider.

To learn of wireless service providers and/or wireless services to whichthe user 108-1 subscribes, the shared wireless access node 120 transmitscommunications 415 (a lookup query) to the subscription managementresource 540. In one embodiment, the subscription manager resource 540performs a service provider lookup based on the identity of thecommunication device 131 and/or user 108-1. The identity can be based onany suitable information such as a unique identifier value (networkaddress) assigned to the communication device, username, etc.

Assume further in this example that the subscription management resource540 detects that the user 108-1 subscribes to use of service provider#1, service provider #2, service provider #5, etc.

As further discussed below, in one embodiment, in response to receivingthe wireless communications 410 and/or results of lookup indicatingservice provider information 511, the shared wireless access node 120transmits wireless communications 430 to the communication device 131.The wireless communications directs or redirects the communicationdevice 131 to establish the wireless communication link 127 with adifferent service provider than as received in wireless communications410. In a manner as previously discussed, this can occur due to anyreason. For example, the shared wireless access node 120 may not providesupport for service provider #1, services associated with the serviceprovider #1 may be temporarily unavailable from the shared wirelessaccess node 120, etc.

Accordingly, the wireless communications 430 (wireless response)notifies the mobile communication device 131 to use a service provider(such as other than the originally requested wireless network serviceprovider #1) to access the remote network 190 through the sharedwireless access node 120. In one embodiment, the shared wireless accessnode 120 selects wireless network service provider #2 to access theremote network 190 through the wireless access node 120.

In accordance with the command in wireless communications 430, themobile communication device 131 transmits wireless communications 440including a second request to the shared wireless access node 120. Thesecond request in the wireless communications 440 indicates that themobile communication device 131 would like to establish wirelesscommunication link 127 using wireless services provided by the serviceprovider #2. Via wireless communications 450, the mobile communicationdevice forwards appropriate credentials 111-2 to use services providedby the second service provider to the wireless access node 120 toestablish the wireless communication link 127.

Accordingly, a respective communication device may request use of afirst service provider and corresponding services to establish awireless communication link. The respective communication device isnotified to use a particular wireless network service provider such asservice provider #2.

Subsequent to authentication, via wireless communications 460, thecommunication device 131 is able to access remote network 190.

The following is a further summary of operations to potentiallyimplement embodiments herein:

Operation 1. The UE (communication device 131) uses MNO's credential toattach to the neutral host network (shared wireless access node 120)using a SIM based method. UE may also indicate to the network whichother credentials it has for accessing this neutral host network.

Operation 2. Neutral host network-MME (shared wireless access node 120)determines that UE should access this network using other credentialinstead of the one that is given from step 1. NH-MME sends a signalingmessage to UE to ask for re-Authentication using other credential (e.g.,non-SIM based method). NH-MME can trigger this based on checking (vialookup) the MCC and MNC of the SIM identity from GUTI or IMSI. Forexample, based on the MCC/MNC, MME is aware from the lookup that this UEis also assigned with non-SIM based credential due to internal policy.Alternatively, note that UE may be given an indication in step 1 that itcan support other credential for accessing this network.

Operation 3. UE re-attaches to the network using other credential (e.g.,non-SIM based approach). Note: if UE does not have any other credentialbeside MNO's, UE can either explicitly reject or ignore this messagefrom NH-MME. NH-MME will then continue with the MNO's credential fromstep 1.

FIG. 6 is an example diagram illustrating selection of a wirelessnetwork service provider based on a user-generated policy according toembodiments herein.

Communication device 131 monitors the wireless spectrum forcommunications (such a beacon signal) from shared wireless access node120. In one embodiment, the shared wireless access node 120 transmitswireless communications 610 to indicate which service providers providewireless services from shared wireless access node 120.

In one embodiment, the wireless communication 610 includes serviceprovider information 650. Manager resource 260 generates the serviceprovider information 650 to indicate the corresponding service providersthat provide wireless services through the shared wireless access node120.

Communication device 131 analyzes the contents of wireless communication610 received from the wireless access node 120 to determine theidentities of multiple wireless network service providers associatedwith shared wireless access node 120.

In this example embodiment, based on the received communications 610including service provider information 650, the mobile communicationdevice 131 detects identities of multiple wireless network serviceproviders (such as service provider #1, service provider #4, serviceprovider #5, etc.), each of which provides access to remote network 190through the shared wireless access node 120.

Accordingly, the mobile communication device 120 receives notificationof the service providers associated with shared wireless access node120.

Further in this example embodiment, assume that the user 108-1 operatingthe communication device 131 subscribes to use of wireless servicesprovided by service provider #1, wireless services provided by serviceprovider #3, wireless services provided by service provider #5, etc.

As further shown, the communication device 131 stores connectioncredentials 111 associated with the different service providers to whichthe user 108-1 subscribes. The access credentials 111-1 supportconnectivity to wireless access nodes supported by service provider #1;access credentials 111-3 support connectivity to wireless access nodessupported by service provider #3; access credentials 111-5 supportconnectivity to wireless access nodes supported by service provider #5,etc.

Policy 660 (such as generated by user 108-1) indicates an orderedranking of selecting the service providers for use of respectiveavailable services. For example, service provider #3 is ranked as thefirst choice (RANK=1, 1=most preferred) in which to establish a wirelesscommunication link if services provided by the service provider #3 areavailable; service provider #5 is ranked as the second choice (RANK=2)in which to establish a wireless communication link if services providedby the service provider #5 are available; service provider #1 is rankedas the third choice (RANK=3) in which to establish a wirelesscommunication link if services provided by the service provider #1 areavailable; etc.

To use wireless network services provided by the shared wireless accessnode 120, the mobile communication device 131 selects a wireless networkservice provider amongst the multiple wireless network service providersas indicated by service provider information 650.

In one embodiment, the mobile communication device (user equipment) canbe configured to access a policy 660 provided by a user 108-1 of themobile communication device 131. As previously discussed, the policy 660indicates a priority ranking of different service providers to which theuser 108-1 subscribes. In this example embodiment, the communicationdevice 131 compares the service provider's information 650 to the policy660 to identify which of the service providers to select. Since serviceprovider #3 is not available, the communication device 131 selects thesecond-ranked service provider #5 and corresponding services becauseservice provider #5 is highest ranked of available service providersassociated with shared wireless access node 120 based on serviceprovider information 650 and connection credentials 111.

In furtherance of using the wireless network services of the selectedwireless network service provider #5, the mobile communication device131 obtains credentials allocated to use wireless network servicesprovided by the wireless network service provider #5. As previouslydiscussed, connection credentials 111 can be stored in any suitablelocation such as in the mobile communication device 131.

The mobile communication device then transmits the credentials 111-5associated with the wireless service provider #5 in wirelesscommunications 611 to the shared wireless access node 120 to establish awireless communication link 127 with the wireless access node to accessthe remote network 190.

After establishing wireless communication link 127, the mobilecommunication device 131 is able to access one or more server resourcesin network 190.

Note that the user-policy 650 can vary depending on parameters such as acurrent location of the mobile communication device 131. In such aninstance, when the mobile communication device 131 is in a firstlocation, the service providers as indicated by policy 650 can be ranked(from highest to lowest) as follows: service provider #3, serviceprovider #5, service provider #1, etc. When the mobile communicationdevice 131 is in a second location, the service providers as indicatedby policy 650 can be ranked (from highest to lowest) as follows: serviceprovider #1, service provider #3, service provider #5, etc. Accordingly,depending on a parameter such as location, the communication device 131the ranking of service providers can vary.

Thus, selection of a wireless network service provider can include, atthe mobile communication device 131, identifying a location of themobile communication device and then selecting the wireless networkservice provider based on the policy 660 (input criteria) provided by auser 108-1 of the mobile communication device 131.

Thus, in accordance with certain embodiments, a simple implementation isto configure the UE with an internal policy by the operator on whichparticipating service provider's (PSP's) credential to use if there aremore than one available to select. UE configuration is normally donewith device management object (e.g., OMA DM). However, this method isnormally used when the UE is served by the same operator (i.e., samePSP). If the same UE is served by two different service providers/PSPthen the both service provider must agree on how to provide this policyto the UE so they do not conflict with each other.

FIG. 7 is an example block diagram of a computer system for implementingany of the operations as discussed herein according to embodimentsherein.

Any of the resources (such as communication devices, shared wirelessaccess node 120, etc.) as discussed herein can be configured to includea processor and executable instructions (of a respective communicationmanagement resource) to carry out any of the operations as discussedherein.

As shown, computer system 750 of the present example includes aninterconnect 711 coupling computer readable storage media 712 such as anon-transitory type of media (such as a hardware storage medium) inwhich digital information can be stored and retrieved, a processor 713(computer processor hardware), I/O interface 714, and a communicationsinterface 717. I/O interface 714 supports connectivity to repository 780and input resource 792.

Computer readable storage medium 712 (hardware to store instructions)can be any hardware storage device such as memory, optical storage, harddrive, floppy disk, etc. In one embodiment, the computer readablestorage medium 712 stores instructions and/or data.

As shown, computer readable storage media 712 can be encoded withconnection management application 140-1 (e.g., including instructions)to carry out any of the operations as discussed herein.

During operation of one embodiment, processor 713 accesses computerreadable storage media 712 via the use of interconnect 711 in order tolaunch, run, execute, interpret or otherwise perform the instructions inconnection management application 140-1 stored on computer readablestorage medium 712. Execution of the connection management application140-1 produces connection management process 140-2 to carry out any ofthe operations and/or processes as discussed herein.

Those skilled in the art will understand that the computer system 750can include other processes and/or software and hardware components,such as an operating system that controls allocation and use of hardwareresources to connection management application 140-1.

In accordance with different embodiments, note that computer system maybe or included in any of various types of devices, including, but notlimited to, a mobile computer, a personal computer system, a wirelessdevice, base station, phone device, desktop computer, laptop, notebook,netbook computer, mainframe computer system, handheld computer,workstation, network computer, application server, storage device, aconsumer electronics device such as a camera, camcorder, set top box,mobile device, video game console, handheld video game device, aperipheral device such as a switch, modem, router, set-top box, contentmanagement device, handheld remote control device, any type of computingor electronic device, etc. The computer system 750 may reside at anylocation or can be included in any suitable resource in any networkenvironment to implement functionality as discussed herein.

Functionality supported by the different resources will now be discussedvia flowcharts in FIGS. 8-10. Note that the steps in the flowchartsbelow can be executed in any suitable order.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart 800 illustrating an example method according toembodiments. Note that there will be some overlap with respect toconcepts as discussed above.

In processing operation 810, the mobile communication device 131receives notification of multiple wireless network service providersthat provide access to a remote network 190 through a correspondingshared wireless access node 120. The notification includes priorityinformation (such as via connection information 150) assigned to themultiple wireless network service providers and corresponding services.

In processing operation 820, the mobile communication device 131 selectsa first wireless network service provider amongst the multiple wirelessnetwork service providers based on the priority information.

In processing operation 830, the mobile communication device 131communicates with the wireless access node 120 to establish a wirelesscommunication link 127 to access the remote network 190 through thecorresponding shared wireless access node 120 using wireless servicesprovided by the first wireless network service provider.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart 900 illustrating an example method according toembodiments. Note that there will be some overlap with respect toconcepts as discussed above.

In processing operation 910, the mobile communication device 120-1transmits a first wireless communication including a first request toestablish a wireless communication link 127 with a shared wirelessaccess node 120 through which each of multiple wireless network serviceproviders provide access to a remote network 190. The first requestindicates a first wireless network service provider of the multiplewireless network service providers.

In processing operation 920, the mobile communication device 131receives a command in a wireless response to the first wirelesscommunication, the wireless response notifying the mobile communicationdevice 131 to use a service provider other than the first wirelessnetwork service provider to access the remote network 190.

In processing operation 930, the mobile communication device 120-1transmits a second wireless communication including a second request toestablish the wireless communication link 127 with the shared wirelessaccess node 120, the second request indicating a second wireless networkservice provider of the multiple wireless network service providers.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart 1000 illustrating an example method according toembodiments. Note that there will be some overlap with respect toconcepts as discussed above.

In processing operation 1010, the mobile communication device 131detects identities of multiple wireless network service providers, eachof which provides access to a remote network 190 through a sharedwireless access node 120.

In processing operation 1020, the mobile communication device 120-1selects a first wireless network service provider amongst the multiplewireless network service providers.

In processing operation 1030, the mobile communication device 120-1obtains credentials allocated to use wireless network services providedby the first wireless network service provider.

In processing operation 1040, the mobile communication device 120-1transmits credentials associated with the first wireless serviceprovider to establish a wireless communication link 127 with thewireless access node 120 to access the remote network 190.

Note again that techniques herein are well suited to support use andselection amongst wireless services provided by multiple serviceproviders from a shared wireless access node. However, it should benoted that embodiments herein are not limited to use in suchapplications and that the techniques discussed herein are well suitedfor other applications as well.

Based on the description set forth herein, numerous specific detailshave been set forth to provide a thorough understanding of claimedsubject matter. However, it will be understood by those skilled in theart that claimed subject matter may be practiced without these specificdetails. In other instances, methods, apparatuses, systems, etc., thatwould be known by one of ordinary skill have not been described indetail so as not to obscure claimed subject matter. Some portions of thedetailed description have been presented in terms of algorithms orsymbolic representations of operations on data bits or binary digitalsignals stored within a computing system memory, such as a computermemory. These algorithmic descriptions or representations are examplesof techniques used by those of ordinary skill in the data processingarts to convey the substance of their work to others skilled in the art.An algorithm as described herein, and generally, is considered to be aself-consistent sequence of operations or similar processing leading toa desired result. In this context, operations or processing involvephysical manipulation of physical quantities. Typically, although notnecessarily, such quantities may take the form of electrical or magneticsignals capable of being stored, transferred, combined, compared orotherwise manipulated. It has been convenient at times, principally forreasons of common usage, to refer to such signals as bits, data, values,elements, symbols, characters, terms, numbers, numerals or the like. Itshould be understood, however, that all of these and similar terms areto be associated with appropriate physical quantities and are merelyconvenient labels. Unless specifically stated otherwise, as apparentfrom the following discussion, it is appreciated that throughout thisspecification discussions utilizing terms such as “processing,”“computing,” “calculating,” “determining” or the like refer to actionsor processes of a computing platform, such as a computer or a similarelectronic computing device, that manipulates or transforms datarepresented as physical electronic or magnetic quantities withinmemories, registers, or other information storage devices, transmissiondevices, or display devices of the computing platform.

While this invention has been particularly shown and described withreferences to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood bythose skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may bemade therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the presentapplication as defined by the appended claims. Such variations areintended to be covered by the scope of this present application. Assuch, the foregoing description of embodiments of the presentapplication is not intended to be limiting. Rather, any limitations tothe invention are presented in the following claims.

We claim:
 1. A method comprising: from a mobile communication device,transmitting a first wireless communication including a first request toestablish a wireless communication link with a wireless access node;receiving a command notifying the mobile communication device to use aservice provider other than a first wireless network service provider;and in accordance with the command, establishing the wirelesscommunication link with the wireless access node via a second wirelessnetwork service provider.
 2. The method as in claim 1, wherein the firstrequest specifies to establish the wireless communication link with thewireless access node via the first wireless network service provider;and wherein establishing the wireless communication link includescommunicating a second request from the mobile communication device tothe wireless access node, the second request specifying the secondwireless network service provider.
 3. The method as in claim 1 furthercomprising: receiving the command in a wireless response from thewireless access node, the wireless access node generating the wirelessresponse in response to detecting that a user of the mobilecommunication device subscribes to use of wireless network servicesprovided by the second wireless network service provider.
 4. The methodas in claim 1 further comprising: prior to receiving the command, fromthe mobile communication device, transmitting a wireless communicationto the wireless access node indicating that the mobile communicationdevice subscribes to use of multiple wireless network services providedby multiple wireless network service providers, the multiple wirelessnetwork service providers including identities of the first wirelessnetwork service provider and the second wireless network serviceprovider.
 5. The method as in claim 1 further comprising: communicatinga set of credentials to the wireless access node, the set of credentialsallocated to the mobile communication device to use wireless networkservices provided by the second wireless network service provider. 6.The method as in claim 1, wherein transmitting the first wirelesscommunication includes transmitting first authentication credentialsfrom the mobile communication device to the wireless access node, thefirst authentication credentials allocated to a user of the mobilecommunication device to use wireless network services provided by thefirst wireless network service provider, the method further comprising:subsequent to receiving the command, transmitting second authenticationcredentials from the mobile communication device to the wireless accessnode, the second authentication credentials allocated to the user of themobile communication device to use wireless network services provided bythe second wireless network service provider.
 7. The method as in claim1 further comprising: at the mobile communication device, selecting thesecond wireless network service provider to access the remote networkthrough the wireless access node in response to receiving the command.8. The method as in claim 2, wherein the first request initiates a SIM(Subscriber Information Module) based authentication of the mobilecommunication device to use wireless network services provided by thefirst wireless network service provider; and wherein the second requestinitiates a non-SIM based authentication of the mobile communicationdevice to use wireless network services provided by the second wirelessnetwork service provider.
 9. The method as in claim 1, wherein thewireless access node communicates with the mobile communication devicevia bandwidth allocated from the CBRS (Citizen Band Radio Service) band.10. The method as in claim 1, wherein the wireless access nodewirelessly communicates with the mobile communication device via LTE(Long Term Evolution) communications.
 11. A system comprising: a mobilecommunication device operable to: transmit a first wirelesscommunication including a first request to establish a wirelesscommunication link with a wireless access node; receive a commandnotifying the mobile communication device to use a service providerother than a first wireless network service provider; and in accordancewith the command, establish the wireless communication link with thewireless access node via a second wireless network service provider. 12.The system as in claim 11, wherein the first request specifies toestablish the wireless communication link with the wireless access nodevia the first wireless network service provider; and whereinestablishment of the wireless communication link includes communicationof a second request from the mobile communication device to the wirelessaccess node, the second request specifying the second wireless networkservice provider.
 13. The system as in claim 11, wherein the mobilecommunication device is further operable to: receive the command in awireless response from the wireless access node, the wireless accessnode generating the wireless response in response to detecting that auser of the mobile communication device subscribes to use of wirelessnetwork services provided by the second wireless network serviceprovider.
 14. The system as in claim 11, wherein the mobilecommunication device is further operable to: prior to receiving thecommand, transmit a wireless communication to the wireless access nodeindicating that the mobile communication device subscribes to use ofmultiple wireless network services provided by multiple wireless networkservice providers, the multiple wireless network service providersincluding identities of the first wireless network service provider andthe second wireless network service provider.
 15. The system as in claim11 wherein the mobile communication device is further operable to:communicate a set of credentials to the wireless access node, the set ofcredentials allocated to the mobile communication device to use wirelessnetwork services provided by the second wireless network serviceprovider.
 16. The system as in claim 1, wherein transmission of thefirst wireless communication includes transmission of firstauthentication credentials from the mobile communication device to thewireless access node, the first authentication credentials allocated toa user of the mobile communication device to use wireless networkservices provided by the first wireless network service provider, themobile communication device further operable to: subsequent to receivingthe command, transmit second authentication credentials from the mobilecommunication device to the wireless access node, the secondauthentication credentials allocated to the user of the mobilecommunication device to use wireless network services provided by thesecond wireless network service provider.
 17. The system as in claim 11,wherein the mobile communication device is further operable to: selectthe second wireless network service provider to access the remotenetwork through the wireless access node in response to receiving thecommand.
 18. The system as in claim 12, wherein the first requestinitiates a SIM (Subscriber Information Module) based authentication ofthe mobile communication device to use wireless network servicesprovided by the first wireless network service provider; and wherein thesecond request initiates a non-SIM based authentication of the mobilecommunication device to use wireless network services provided by thesecond wireless network service provider.
 19. The system as in claim 11,wherein the wireless access node communicates with the mobilecommunication device via bandwidth allocated from the CBRS (Citizen BandRadio Service) band.
 20. The system as in claim 11, wherein the wirelessaccess node wirelessly communicates with the mobile communication devicevia LTE (Long Term Evolution) communications.
 21. Computer-readablestorage hardware having instructions stored thereon, the instructions,when carried out by computer processor hardware, cause the computerprocessor hardware to: transmit a first wireless communication includinga first request to establish a wireless communication link with awireless access node; receive a command notifying the mobilecommunication device to use a service provider other than a firstwireless network service provider; and in accordance with the command,establish the wireless communication link with the wireless access nodevia a second wireless network service provider.